Thanksgiving and Wilderness

Thanksgiving and Wilderness

by | Sep 14, 2023 | Fireside Talks

I thought of posting what follows as an announcement. Then I thought, why not post it as a Fireside Talk. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you: One of my fields of study as an historian is colonial America and the Pilgrims. So every Thanksgiving when my family gathers, I...
Wilderness in a Japanese Garden

Wilderness in a Japanese Garden

by | Sep 14, 2023 | Fireside Talks

  In History 453 we will often confront the question, “Just what is wilderness anyway”? You will notice that your instructor tends to “cast a wide net” to include many different kinds and degrees of wilderness. I sense wilderness sometimes...
Nearby Wilderness

Nearby Wilderness

by | Sep 14, 2023 | Fireside Talks

As we approach the end of the quarter in History 373, I want to encourage you to reflect that some fine wilderness places are near at hand. You have heard about and perhaps taken art appreciation or music appreciation courses. The object in these is to enhance your...
Walking with Thoreau

Walking with Thoreau

by | Nov 22, 2019 | Fireside Talks

(Note: I wrote this post two years ago, but it is as relevant for our class today as it was then.) November 22, 2019 I am writing this post from my lodging near Walden Pond. Let’s begin with a map: I’m staying across the road at “Thoreau’s...